Bill Gates returns to top of Forbes billionaire list

Bill Gates is once again at the top of Forbes annual list of billionaires, taking the spot from Carlos Slim Helu.

The former Microsoft chairman increased his net worth from $67 billion last year to $76 billion, according to Forbes' list of billionaires. Gates has been at the number one spot for 15 of the last 20 years.

Slim had him beat out for four years straight, but slipped to second with an estimated net worth of $72 billion. He dropped $1 billion in net worth in a year.

Amancio Ortega, who is a Spanish clothing executive who's group is responsible for the Zara fashion retailer, has an estimated $64 billion worth, which is a $7 billion increase.

According to Reuters, Warren Buffett and Larry Ellison rounded out the top five with a net worth of $58.2 billion and $48 billion, respectively.

Forbes' list of billionaires has increased to 1,645 from 1,426 last year. Collectively they are worth $6.4 trillion. Included in the increase, were women billionaires, who now number 172, up from 138. The highest woman on the list was Christy Walton at the ninth spot, with a net worth of $36.7 billion.

Other big names on the list include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg who is now worth $28.5 billion and placed 21st. Amazon's Jeff Bezos was in 20th with a $32 billion net worth.